Usman Khawaja spoke at the MCG on Friday,after being charged with breaching ICC regulations.Credit:Getty Images
Nevertheless,the ICC charged him for a breach of the clothing and equipment rules and regulations relating to personal messages. Khawaja can be reprimanded for a first offence so is not in danger of missing the Boxing Day Test.
“They asked me on day two what it was for and[I] told them it was for a personal bereavement,” Khawaja said at the launch of CA’s multicultural action plan at the MCG on Friday.
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“I never ever stated it was for anything else. The shoes were a different matter,I’m happy to say that. The armband makes no sense to me.
“I followed all the regulations,past precedents,guys that put stickers on their bats,names on their shoes,done all sorts of things in the past without ICC approval and never been reprimanded. I respect what the ICC and the rules and regulations they have.
“I will be asking them and contesting they make it fair and equitable for everyone and they have consistency in how they officiate. That consistency hasn’t been done yet.”
The ICC has been contacted for comment.
Khawaja said he was moved by images of the suffering in Gaza,which has come under constant bombardment from Israel after the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack in which some 1200 people were killed and 240 people taken hostage.
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“When I’m looking at my Instagram and seeing innocent kids,videos of them dying,passing away,that’s what hit me the hardest,” Khawaja,a father of two,said.
“I just imagine my young daughter in my arms and the same thing. I get emotional talking about it right now again. For me,that’s the reason I’m doing this. I don’t have any hidden agendas.
“If anything,this brings up more negativity towards me. People come attacking me. I don’t get anything out of this. I just feel like it’s my responsibility to speak up on this.
“We live in such a beautiful country. I’m blessed to live in Australia. I can walk outside,don’t have to worry about a thing. My kids can do the same. I just want that for the rest of the world.”
Hockley said his discussions with Khawaja had been “constructive” and “respectful” but he was also aware many fans wanted not to mix politics with sport.
“We’re also very conscious that people want to come and really just enjoy and watch the cricket we’ve got across our women’s and men’s teams are at the peak of their powers,” Hockley said.
“We’ve got the best players in the world. We want people to come and watch some great cricket. But certainly the discussions over the last week have been kind of really constructive,really respectful and as I said that’s before the ICC for their deliberation.”
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